Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
My INTERNATIONAL SUSPENSE COLLECTION currently has two books: COVERT DREAMS, Book One; and DEADLY EYES, Book Two.
My CONTEMPORARY/HUMOROUS FICTION COLLECTION currently has two books: THE FAMOUS UNION, Book One; and THE SURVIVAL OF MARVIN BAINES, Book Two.
THE THREE KITTIES THAT SAVED MY LIFE was my heartfelt attempt to make things right again in my own life, and putting this true story of love down on paper worked. It was something that I just knew I had to do.
I have resided in and have visited many places in the world, all of which have contributed in some way to my own published writing. I have literally traveled throughout the world, on numerous occasions. I have lived in Finland, Germany, Thailand, Saudi Arabia (where COVERT DREAMS – INTERNATIONAL SUSPENSE COLLECTION BOOK ONE – is set), and the U.S. Virgin Islands (where DEADLY EYES – INTERNATIONAL SUSPENSE COLLECTION BOOK TWO – is set). I gained the wanderlust to see the world, to experience other cultures, at an early age, and this desire has never left me. If anything, it has only gained in intensity as I have aged. I try to travel internationally at least once a year. In the interim, I spend lots of time traveling around both my home state of California and other nearby states.
Among the many unique things that have happened to me in my world travels, I have walked the streets of Istanbul with a detective, searching for a pickpocket who got me good. I have ridden on the back of a motorcycle in Tehran while the driver, who spoke not one word of English, pointed out all the sights to me. I have wrestled an Iranian soldier who tried to break into my hotel room in Tehran. I have had the paint completely stripped from my car as I drove across Saudi Arabia in a sandstorm. I have stood on the stage of a busy nightclub in Tokyo, singing “She’ll be Coming Round the Mountain When She Comes” to an audience feeling no pain from the Sake they were drinking. I have been chased by a family of mongooses (yes, that is the correct spelling) on the idyllic Caribbean island of St. Croix. And that is just the beginning of my long list of worldly adventures.
As a recent retiree from a forty-year career as a professor of writing, I now live in Southern California wine country with my wife, Kitty, and our two adorable rescue cats.
What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
My first wife died tragically at a young age, and I was devastated. THE THREE KITTIES THAT SAVED MY LIFE was my heartfelt attempt to make things right again in my own life, and putting this true story of love down on paper worked. It was something that I just knew I had to do. It was very cathartic for me. I am delighted that so many others have found hope and inspiration after reading my true journey.
Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I do not. I write only what I know. COVERT DREAMS is an international thriller set in Saudi Arabia, where I was a university professor. I know the country well. DEADLY EYES is a mystery set on the Caribbean island of St. Croix, where I was also a university professor. I know the island as well as I know the back of my hand. I was a college professor for over 40 years, and THE FAMOUS UNION is a humorous look at life at a dysfunctional institution of higher learning. THE SURVIVAL OF MARVIN BAINES is a humorous look at aging, which I am definitely undergoing myself. THE THREE KITTIES THAT SAVED MY LIFE was my way of working through loss of love to love renewed.
What authors, or books have influenced you?
I am an avid reader, and I have very eclectic tastes. I have probably been influenced, in one way or another, by most every author I have had the pleasure to reading.
What are you working on now?
I am currently tossing two or three ideas around in my head. I will make my decision soon. It most likely will be a humorous mystery set in an exotic part of the world.
What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
I make great use of my Amazon site. I rely very heavily upon word-of-mouth advertising from readers who have enjoyed my work.
Do you have any advice for new authors?
Write, write, and write since that is what writers do. Enjoy what you do since life is short as it is. Make writing an enjoyable part of your life.
What is the best advice you have ever heard?
When I retired, my doctor told me that writing was a wonderful way to keep my mind active. Therefore, I work out early in the morning, in order to keep my body in shape, and then I sit at my computer, where my writing helps keep my mind in good shape.
What are you reading now?
I am nearly finished with a documented history of the relationship between Roosevelt and Churchill during World War II.
What’s next for you as a writer?
I hope to write until I die. It is great fun for me, and it is a very healthy activity.
If you were going to be stranded on a desert island and allowed to take 3 or 4 books with you what books would you bring?
I would take along a lengthy anthology of British and American literature, since, as a retired English professor, my chosen profession will always be a part of me. I would also take along a concise encyclopedia, since I would like to stay in touch as much as possible with the great big world out there. Last of all, I would take along a huge binder of blank paper, since the writer in me will live on no matter what my circumstances.
Author Websites and Profiles
Michael Meyer Amazon Profile
Michael Meyer Author Profile on Smashwords
Michael Meyer’s Social Media Links
Goodreads Profile
Facebook Profile
Pinterest Account
I thank you so much for inviting me here today. I have enjoyed myself immensely.
You are very welcome! Enjoy having you in the gang.